In this video, we test the Rode PodMic with an XLR to USB cable to effectively power the microphone.
Summary: An XLR to USB cable does not provide enough gain for the Rode PodMic.
Rode PodMic Gain Requirements
All XLR mics have varying degrees of sensitivity. Some dynamic mics, like the Rode PodMic, tend to be on the quieter side. This means you need quite a bit of gain to make the PodMic function correctly with as little noise as possible.
Not only does an XLR to USB cable not provide enough gain for this specific microphone (only 20dB of the required 57dB), but it also adds a lot of noise to the microphone signal and will not sound great to your audience.
How to Connect Rode PodMic To Computer
If you wish to connect your Rode PodMic to your computer we recommend using an Audio Interface or Audio Mixer. These solutions will provide an appropriate amount of gain for the Rode PodMic and convert everything to a digital signal for your computer.
When you’re looking for an audio interface or audio mixer, you should be looking for one that provides more than 57dB of gain. Our recommendations include:
- Solid State Logic SSL2+ Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
- Yamaha MG10XU Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
Related: Audio Interface vs Audio Mixer – What Do I Need?
Pricing & Specs for PodMic and XLR To USB Cable
- Rode PodMic: https://currentprice.io/rode_podmic
- XLR To USB Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_to_usb
